Clarification
Last week’s story, “SBPD chief on leave,” identified Patrick Gallegos as the city’s public information officer. As assistant city manager, Gallegos’ duties include being City Hall’s public information officer. We regret the error.
Seal Beach Chief of Police Joe Stilinovich has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave, and police commander Joe Miller is the acting chief of police. Patrick Gallegos, assistant city manager, confirmed the leave to The Sun this past Monday. Gallegos said he was unable to comment further. The chief of police reports to City Manager Jill Ingram and such an action would require Ingram’s approval.
A statement was issued by City Manager Jill Ingram, saying “The city received a formal complaint regarding Chief of Police Joe Stilinovich. While the complaint is being fully investigated, Chief Stilinovich has been placed on paid administrative leave. Commander Joe Miller has been appointed acting chief of police until the investigation is complete.” At that time, Ingram said that the statement is the entirety of what the city would say on the matter, citing confidentiality.
However, late Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 5, the City of Seal Beach issued another statement: “On September 29, 2016, the City of Seal Beach placed Chief Joe Stilinovich on paid administrative leave pending a confidential personnel investigation. The City is issuing this statement to provide the public with as much information as it can at this juncture, and to address some misinformed statements or speculation about this matter.
“The City’s action became necessary because a formal complaint was made against the Chief of Police alleging serious misconduct. Chief Stilinovich, like any employee accused of misconduct, is presumed to be innocent. However, the City has a duty under applicable law to investigate the complaint in question, and it must do so in a manner that is fair to all and protects the privacy rights of all involved parties and witnesses. Due to the nature of the complaint, the need to protect the integrity of the independent investigation, and the need to protect the interests of both Chief Stilinovich and the complainant, the City determined that it was necessary to place the Chief on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“While we understand the public’s desire to be informed of the details of the investigation, the City must maintain strict confidentiality in order not to jeopardize the investigation. Thus, we ask for the public’s patience and trust while the investigation progresses. Commander Joe Miller has been appointed Acting Chief of Police until the investigation is complete.”
District One (Old Town) Councilwoman Ellery Deaton also issued a statement late Wednesday: “It is with great sadness that I am out of town at this time of turmoil in our city. My husband and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise and I was told the upsetting news just before leaving.
This is what I know: A formal complaint was filed against our Chief. It was NOT the City Manager who filed the complaint. To be sure that all parties are justly and fairly treated, a third party investigation firm will do the investigation and it is most important that the Chief’s rights are carefully guarded. This means that everything must remain confidential until the investigation is completed.
I understand your anger and confusion as I’m very upset myself. What makes it worse is being away from you at this time. I will return on October 18th and it is my desire to see this investigation concluded as soon as it possibly can be.”
Complaints regarding police officials are not uncommon, a source familiar with complaints like this told The Sun. It is not known if this is internal or external to the department, or what other actions or remedies are or were available to the city manager. “Certainly this appears to be the most extreme action,” the source said.
No other city officials that we spoke with would comment. Stilinovich is unable to speak about the matter or answer questions. City residents and leaders of local organizations expressed surprise and concern by the news, many speaking about Stilinovich’s leadership in the community and with the Police Department. The Seal Beach Police Foundation – a non-profit founded by citizens to benefit local law enforcement projects – held a special meeting this week to discuss the developments.
Ingram hired Stilinovich almost four years ago in October 2012, 16 months after the retirement of Chief Jeff Kirkpatrick. The City Council approved Stilinovich’s contract, but in Seal Beach the city’s department heads answer to the city manager. The status or renewal of Stilinovich’s current contract is not known.
In April 2014, a Seal Beach-led multi-agency task force called Operation Crossover arrested multiple members of the Insane Crips Gang for 100 restaurant and grocery store burglaries across five Southern California counties.
In September 2015, Special Agent Rob Savage of the Secret Service called the SBPD a major partner in “Operation Money Wash,” a nearly eight-month investigation into a group accused of being responsible for more than 140 separate crimes in more than 50 cities. Under Stilinovich, the Seal Beach Polar Plunge was revived. Once a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, the revived Polar Plunge has become a fundraiser for the Los Alamitos Education Foundation and the Seal Beach Police Foundation.
Stilinovich, a local parent, frequently participates in community events with his family, and he is an active member of the Seal Beach Lion’s Club. He is a former Long Beach Police commander, was commander of the Long Beach South Division, and had spent the five previous years as head of the Gang and Violent Crimes Division. He served with distinction during his 17-year career with Long Beach Police Department.
When the Salon Meritage shootings took place in 2011, Stilinovich sent Long Beach homicide detectives to assist the Seal Beach PD.
